The 2017 Giulia Ti Lusso is seen at the Giulia Masterclass in New Orleans during a ride-and-drive attended by Findlay Alfa Romeo and Fiat crew and staff.

Alfa Romeo is off and running with its 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia at Findlay Alfa Romeo and Fiat in the Valley Automall after attending the Giulia Masterclass, a recent ride-and-drive in New Orleans.

Dealership internet sales manager Christopher Preciado attended the three-day event and returned to Las Vegas excited about what he had witnessed. Also attending was dealership general manager John Saksa and sales manager Bob Boyle.

“Alfa Romeo is roaring back with its answer to the big three German automakers – the all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Quadrifoglio,” said Preciado. “The dealership is expecting its first shipment of the cars before the end of February. The cars have been met with such high demand that the dealership has collected deposits on some of these units already.”

The Giulia has two Best in Class engines including the 280 horsepower I-4 with 306 pounds of torque, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds along with the 2.9 liter Bi-Turbo 505 horsepower V6 Quadrifoglio engine with a top speed of 191 mph and 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, according to figures released by Alfa Romeo.

“Both engines offer impressive power that will leave loyal German buyers desiring more,” added Preciado, a native of Las Vegas. “We learned big-time about the Alfa Romeo engineering during the ride-and-drive.”

Preciado said the chance to drive the Alfa Romeo models and its competition at a race track in New Orleans was invaluable.

“It wasn’t until I sat in each of the competitors’ vehicles that I discovered how much of a great product we have in power and style,” he said. “Alfa Romeo uses premium Italian leather verses vinyl/leatherettes most commonly used in the competition.”

Preciado was also impressed with the suspension and overall handling of the Giulia models.

“The Giulia isn’t all muscle, and after all, it is an Italian luxury vehicle and with that comes with no shortage of sexy lines across the vehicle and a wide assortment of luxurious interiors,” Preciado said. “Real Italian leather comes standard on all Giulias along with premium accent finishes like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and genuine wood panels.”

“The steering on the vehicle was unbelievable and it handled tight curves on the track like a dream,” he said.  “I simply had great confidence when I was behind the wheel.”

Saksa added, “I have been in the car business for 33 years and it’s not often that a car comes along that impresses me and the Giulia has me eating my words. We tested this car in one of the worst thunderstorms I have ever driven in and I actually thought they would cancel the event due to so much standing water on the track. They did not and I thought these people were crazy to let us drive on a wet track this fast.

“Much to my amazement, the Giulia drove and performed like it was glued to the track. It was the only car out of the four types we drove that you could push the car even on a wet and slick road – and it wanted more.

“I was blown away. The car took every turn with more confidence than any of them, and truth be told, the German competitors were actually very scary in their handling of this track. It has been very long time since I have driven a car that excited me so much.”

Saksa also praised the fit and finish portion of the Giulia.

“The fit and finish and interior appointments and qualify far surpassed the others – right down to the beautifully integrated navigation system that like the competitors, doesn’t look like someone glued an IPad to the dash. It’s been a long time since we have had a car this exciting and I look forward to the Guilia being a big seller.”

“I have driven everything you can drive,” said Boyle, 56, and a 25-year veteran of the car business. “In my experience, I have never driven a car like the Giulia. It’s unsurpassed in attention to detail. It’s very stylish.

“The Alfa Romeo Giulia doesn’t make you feel like you’re driving the car; it makes you feel as though you are part of the car. I drove all three of the competitors’ cars and the Alfa Romeo Giulia surpassed them all. It doesn’t nose-dive and instead comes to a clean, crisp stop.

Boyle said the first car to have electronic Brake-by-wire Integrated Brake System.

Pricing is $37,995 for Giulia, $39,995 for Giulia Ti and $72,000 for the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

The Giulia will be available for test drives. Call the dealership at 702-982-4888 or visit www.alfaromeousaofhenderson.com.

Findlay Alfa Romeo and Fiat is situated at 210 N. Gibson Rd. in the Valley Automall. Saksa serves in the same position at Findlay Cadillac, also in the Valley Automall.

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A pair of long-time families with close ties to the car business are helping make Las Vegas a better place.

Several years ago the Ackerman family created the Ackerman Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Solutions and recently Findlay Automotive Group donated $20,000 to Grant a Gift Autism Foundation which supports Ackerman Autism Center at 630 N. Rancho Rd.

“Once again, the Findlay family and Findlay Automotive Group are reaching out to help others in Las Vegas,” said Lotus Broadcasting general manager Tony Bonnici, who like Gaudin Motor Company executive Gary Ackerman is a member of the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation board of directors. “Thanks to the donation, a room in the center is being dedicated to benefit the children and families who are affected by Autism.”

The Ackerman Autism Center in partnership with Grant a Gift provides clients with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, and speech and behavioral therapists, for a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment plan, follow-up care and support services. The center combines cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, behavioral/vocational training, support programs, and education for infants to young adults, all in one outpatient setting.

Added Findlay Automotive Group operations director Robby Findlay, “Having been personally affected by autism, it was an easy decision to step up and help the Ackerman Autism Center. Autism diagnoses have grown so rapidly in the past ten years that traditional funding sources can’t keep up with the need. The team at the center provide unbelievable services, and we will continue to support them for years to come.”

The donation generated a big thank you from Lynda Tache, founder and CEO of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

“Grant a Gift Autism Foundation is so grateful to Findlay Automotive Group for their recent gift to our organization,” she said. “Because of their commitment to the community and generous support to our organization, we are able to continue to change the lives of families and individuals living with autism in Southern Nevada, by helping them reach their full potential and live with maximum independence.”

“The UNLV Medicine/Ackerman Center for Autism has been a dream in our family since our oldest son, Andrew, was diagnosed,” Ackerman said. “He was eight at the time and he turned 33 this past October. Collaborating with the new UNLV School of Medicine was the final piece of the puzzle that took us from a dream, to a functioning clinic.

“The support we have received from the community has been beyond our wildest hopes. The Findlay family donation is a great example. They are always involved with the community and are long-time supporters of UNLV as well. The fact that our two families have been close friends for two generations makes it even more special. We have a fabulous group of long time, locals that make up the board at the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation. The work they have all done and the money they have all raised has allowed our new center to become the only one of its kind in Nevada. The Findlay family’s donation keeps our momentum growing as the center continues to expand.”

Findlay Automotive Group was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now oversees 28 automobile dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Further information can be found by visiting www.findlayauto.com.

Further information regarding Grant a Gift Autism Foundation can be found by visiting www.grantagiftautismfoundation.org or by calling 702-564-2453.

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The wildly-popular Chevrolet Cruze has mounted strong numbers since entering the automobile market about six years ago. It has appealed to a full-spectrum of buyers with a long list of amenities.

The 2017 Cruze hatchback sports an exclusive 1.4-liter turbo that generates 153 horsepower and 177 pound feet of torque.

The 2017 Cruze hatchback has been at Findlay Chevrolet for less than six months and it has been a hit with customers since the day it arrived on the lot, according to five-year sales consultant Maxwell Eichbauer.

“The 2017 Cruze is part of the Chevrolet redesign,” said Eichbauer, a 34-year-old native of Michigan who has lived in Las Vegas for about 12 years. “Our customers took to the car quickly in what has been a continuation of the Cruze success.”

The safety elements included in the ’17 Cruze include ten standard air bags, standard rear backup camera along with On-Star which covers several components such as Automatic Crash Response system, turn by turn navigation and Stolen Vehicle Recovery, to name a few.

Yet another safety element is Teen Drive Technology which allows vehicle owners to pull report cards for the automobile speeds.

Another favorite feature of the Cruze is Chevrolet MyLink touch screen color and touch-screen display. In addition, General Motors has added a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot for up to seven devices.

“I am very impressed with the standard features of the Chevrolet Cruze,” said Eichbauer. “Chevrolet has definitely done its homework with the new Cruze.”

Eichbauer has sold several new Cruze models in the past few months.

“The Cruze covers a wide variety of buyers including first-time buyers, young professionals wanting a commuter vehicles or even seniors who also want the technology.”

Situated between Rainbow and Jones boulevards off I-215, Findlay Chevrolet is headed by General Manager Jamaal McCoy.

Further information can be found by calling 702-982-4000 or by visiting www.findlaychevrolet.com.

Findlay Chevrolet is part of Findlay Automotive Group founded more than 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now oversees operations of 28 dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Arizona and Idaho.

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Available standard with front -wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive, the five-passenger XT5 has strong acceleration along with a handsome interior with a rear seat that reclines and slides for more comfort. Add in the fuel ratings of 18 city and 26 highway and the ’17 XT5 is the perfect package for a customer looking for good performance and the luxury that Cadillac provides.

The XT5 Platinum is loaded with amenities that include the panoramic glass roof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats and a surround-view camera; and a rear-view camera along with a cargo-organizing system.

The XT5 Platinum also includes automatic braking, park assist and lane-keeping system along with Heads Up Display; a key safety feature that projects information onto the windshield so that driver does not have to take his or her eyes off the road.

The Platinum also has Adaptive Cruise Control as part of the Driver Assist Package.

The interior has the Platinum collection with a suede headliner along with suede and natural wood accents in the hand-stitched leather.

The Cadillac XT5 has been a strong-selling model at the dealership.

“The XT5 is picking right up where the XRS left off,” said sales consultant Deb Topham, who has been with Findlay Cadillac for almost ten years; and a 15-year veteran of the car business. “Buyers include young singles both men and women up to 70 and 80-year-old great grandparents. The buyer profile is very wide.”

The XT5 arrived last summer and the response was immediate.

“People who have driven this car rave about how quiet it is and how well it handles,” Topham added. “Cadillac listened to the consumers and improved the forward visibility immensely.”

The sound system is highlighted by the upper-level Bose sound system providing Hollywood Bowl-type quality.

Apple Car Play and Android Auto features telephone interface programing.

“The system allows for easy interface connectivity communication,” Topham added. “It’s now very easy to use your phone navigation, connect to your music. Car Play enables the use of audio books, music and a lot of great communications, all from your phone.”

The XT5 also comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that has premium care maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles which covers oil changes, tire rotations and filters. Roadside assistance includes six years or 70,000 miles.

Situated at 993 Auto Show Dr. in the Valley Automall, Findlay Cadillac is led by general manager John Saksa, who holds the same position with Findlay Fiat at 210 Gibson Rd.  The dealership is part of Findlay Automotive Group founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now spearheads 28 automobile dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona.

Further information regarding Findlay Cadillac can be found by calling 702-558-2600 or by visiting www.findlaycadillac.com.

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Count the 2017 Acura TLX at Findlay Acura as the perfect vehicle who wants the performance along with the smooth ride that the vehicle provides. Considered a “two-for-one in the mid-size segment” by Car and Driver Magazine, the TLX is available in two strengths; either a 206-horsepower 2.4 liter inline-four or a 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

The thrill of driving is included in the 2017 TLX, which has a long list of features on the Tech model that include all of the modern options such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Recognition, Collision Warning as well as a backup camera with three views and a cross traffic camera as well.

In addition, the Tech model has a moon roof, Bluetooth technology, heated seats, Home Link to preset the garage door, Acura Link which is a concierge service that provides verbal communication, 5.1 six channel Surround Sound, a 15-gigabyte music memory storage and push-button start.

Also, the four-cylinder model features a gear-shift, while the six-cylinder model has button-shifting. Both have paddle shifting so there is no clutch.

Keyless remote start is a feature popular with Las Vegans particularly in the summer.

“The Acura TLX looks good, and it’s very safe,” Mary Weisbrod, a spry 70, has been selling Acuras since 2001 and has been in the car business for 30 years. The TLX has a 5 star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Weisbrod drives a 2015 Acura TLX. “I know first-hand that the TLX is a good car,” she said. “I like the control that I have in the car. I feel that it hugs the road and it does what I want it to do. It’s maneuverable and it stops in its tracks when need-be.

“It gives me confidence.”

Weisbrod said the dealership situated in the Valley Automall generates excellent traffic especially with the wide assortment of Acura models that are available.

“This is a family-owned dealership,” she said. “The Findlays are very concerned with the welfare of their staff and they promote from within. They take care of their employees and customers.

“When it comes to putting together a car deal, it’s good to know that everything here is very transparent. Everyone in the dealership is very knowledgeable and people work together to make the automobile transaction as fluid as possible.

In addition, Weisbrod said the recently-remodeled dealership is comfortable and attractive.

“It’s like sitting in a nice home,” she said. “It’s simply lovely doing business here and I’m excited about helping past and future customers at Findlay Acura.”

Situated at 315 Auto Mall Drive, Findlay Acura is part of Findlay Automotive Group founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay whose son, Cliff, now oversees 28 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Oregon.

Further information can be calling 702-982-4100 or by visiting www.findlayacura.com. The dealership is headed by general manager Kevin Hicks.

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